Sony unveils Cyber-shot QX10 and QX100 lens-style cameras, available later this month

Update: Along with Xperia Z1, Sony has also officially announced the new Cyber-shot QX10 and QX100 Lens-style cameras today. The cameras have already been put on pre-order by Amazon US. Other details below.

Earlier: Thanks to a flurry of leaks including the official press release, we now know pretty much everything that will be announced as part of today’s Sony press event.

As we have been reporting for the past few weeks, Sony will be unveiling two lens cameras called Cyber-shot QX10 and QX100 today. These lens cameras are basically lenses with select camera features, which work with Android (and iOS) smartphones to provide the high-end compact camera quality images without the need to carry the full camera.

As per the leaked press release, Cyber-shot QX10 and QX100 connect wirelessly (using Wi-Fi) to smartphones converting the phone’s screen into a real-time viewfinder. Using Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile app, users can release the shutter, start/stop movie recordings, and adjust common photographic settings like shooting mode, zoom, Auto Focus area and more on these lens cameras.

Sony has also included NFC hardware in these cameras, which works with compatible smartphones to provide one-touch connectivity.

Sony adds that QX10 and QX100 can be attached to smartphones using a mechanically adjustable adapter, or be held separately in hand or even mounted to a tripod. These can also be operated as completely independent cameras as they include shutter release, memory card slot and come with a rechargeable battery but I am not sure if many would want to click images would seeing in viewfinder.